A Family Summer Weekend in London

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The long school summer holidays are just weeks away, so most parents will soon be having the same panic that arises every year: how on Earth do we fill up all this time? It’s difficult to come up with new activities to amuse your children, especially if you’re not off on holiday, so instead you go through the normal options: the park, the cinema, the beach if you live close enough. But a staycation in London can be just as good as a trip abroad.

If there is a whole group of parents in a similar position, you could always club together to hire a coach to London together to keep costs down as nobody has to fork out for overpriced public transport. This doesn’t mean you have to spend your whole weekend together though. You can all go off and do your own thing and then reunite for the journey home so everyone gets to do exactly what they want.

London Zoo is always a hit with kids. There is a vast range of animals to befriend, so whether you’re into penguins, tigers or monkeys, you’ll find these cheeky critters here. While lots of the zoo is aimed specifically at children, it’s also great for adults who want to learn more about the animals of the world. Similarly, the London Aquarium on the South Bank is brilliant for wannabe marine biologists, with the highlights being the sharks and the turtles.

While London is a fantastic place for celebrity spotting (especially in plush areas such as Kensington and Mayfair), there is obviously no guarantee that you’ll spot One Direction wandering around a park, so head to Madame Tussauds to see the waxwork models of the rich and the famous. However, if you want to meet the real deal, London attracts all the biggest celebrities to book signings and event openings, so check out what’s happening the weekend you’re there.

London doesn’t have to be super expensive. You can easily stick to a tight budget if you check online for 2 for 1 vouchers or money off coupons for the big attractions. Or, London has arguably some of the best parks in the country. Take a stroll around the elegant Regent’s Park, a short walk from Euston Road, enjoy the view of Buckingham Palace from Green Park or venture north to the beautiful grounds surrounding Alexandra Palace.

London really is a fantastic place to take the family, and there is something for everyone. Clever time planning means you can fit in everything you need to, so sit down with a map to figure out how to maximise your time in each area.